Gavage is a feeding technique used primarily in animal husbandry, where food is delivered directly into the stomach of an animal through a tube. This method is often employed to ensure that animals, such as geese or ducks, receive a specific amount of food to promote rapid growth or fattening. It is commonly associated with the production of foie gras, a delicacy made from the liver of fattened birds.
The process involves inserting a flexible tube through the animal's esophagus and into the stomach, allowing for controlled feeding. While it can be efficient for achieving desired weight and size, it has raised ethical concerns regarding animal welfare and the potential for causing distress or injury to the animals involved.